Abstract: A peel-away introducer sheath includes a tube sheath having a splittable handle at its proximal end. A gas or liquid sealing valve or other fitting is secured to a proximal face of the handle and includes an axial passage typically having a diameter approximately equal to the lumen diameter of the sheath. The valve includes a threaded connector which is received in a counter bore formed in the handle. In this way, the sheath may be split apart leaving only the valve or other fitting in place on a catheter passing therethrough.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: A catheter for thermally treating a hollow body organ includes a first flexible elongate member having a heater element at or near its distal end. A second flexible elongate member may be slidably disposed within a central lumen of the first flexible elongate member and may include an occluding means, such as an inflatable balloon, at its distal end. By first inserting the distal end of the second flexible elongate member within a hollow body organ or connecting region, the heater element on the first flexible elongate member may then be positioned and repositioned by axially translating the first flexible elongate member over the exterior of the second flexible elongate member. A collapsible shield may also be provided about the exposed heater element on the first flexible elongate member. The shield typically comprises a cylinder having a plurality of axial slots near its distal end.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming and enlarging percutaneous penetrations comprises an elongate dilation tube which receives an elongate expansion member in an axial lumen thereof. The dilation tube is radially expandable from a small diameter configuration to a larger diameter configuration. The dilation tube is percutaneously introduced to a desired target site within a patient's body and thereafter radially expanded by axial insertion of the expansion member through the axial lumen of the tube. The tube prevents the application of axial forces on the surrounding tissue as the expansion member is introduced. The expansion member may include a separate outer sleeve member which remains in place to maintain the enlarged access channel. Optionally, an inflatable balloon at the distal end of the dilation tube may be provided to enhance retention of the device and sealing of the penetration.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: An intraluminal stent for maintaining patency in body passages subject to invasive tissue growth includes a cylindrical wall having radial passages therethrough. A mechanism is provided for disrupting cellular growth which penetrates through the passages. The mechanism may provide for mechanical disruption, thermal disruption, or preferably for excision using radio frequency energy. In a specific embodiment, the cylindrical wall is defined by a tubular mesh, and the mechanism for disrupting cellular growth comprises parallel wires within the mesh. The wires are connected to an external radio frequency source and act as electrodes in effecting excision using the radio frequency energy.